Oberstar Applauds Health Care Reform

Minnesota Congressman James Oberstar predicts Americans will quickly see benefits of the health care reform bill passed Sunday night. In remarks on the house floor before passage, the senior member of the Minnesota congressional delegation said the nation enjoys the best, but the most expensive health care in the world. The comprehensive health care legislation will preserve what works best in our health care system and make that system more efficient and affordable.
 
The 8th District DFL-er says benefits include important consumer protections to reduce the power of health insurance companies. He says consumers will have greater control of their health care decisions. The bill will assure that no one's current health care can be dropped. No one will be forced out of the health care they now hold. No one will be denied coverage because of a previously existing condition. No one’s health insurance will be dropped because of lifetime caps; no one can be denied when they need their health insurance the most. People will be able to retain their health insurance if they change jobs.

For seniors, the legislation closes the doughnut hole that has existed for five years, which will save seniors thousands of dollars in prescription drug costs.